The longtime business partner of the former president of Los Angeles Business and Safety Commission severed their relationship Friday, one week after the commissioner quit his post because he is under criminal investigation for allegedly soliciting an underage prostitute and impersonating a police officer, and for conflict of interest. Mark S.

A developer and major campaign contributor who wants to build homes on what is now the Verdugo Hills Golf Course has arranged state legislation that would stymie an effort by the city of Los Angeles to block the project. The legislation was written by Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes (D-Sylmar) in collaboration with a company that has an agreement with the property's owner to develop the site. The company, MWH Development Corp.

With the hard-rock band Jailhouse pounding away last Saturday night, the main room of the Country Club in Reseda was too loud for talking. So people did their cruising and schmoozing in the lobby by the bar. The decade-old club has thrived in the last couple of years, drawing good crowds with bookings that vary remarkably: music from rock to country, boxing, ethnic entertainment and private parties.

The mayor of West Covina has one. So do all the members of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. Even infamous Chicago serial killer John Wayne Gacy Jr. had one. Government badges are symbols of authority, metallic identifiers that let others know that those carrying them have powers not granted to common citizens.